Good morning! It’s Wednesday, May 31, 2023. It’s the last day of the month! Here’s a question: What’s one of the best ways to express love? Give gifts? Pass out words of encouragement? These are good, but there’s something even better. It’s more challenging, so it isn’t often utilized. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Proverbs 16,17,18; Romans 12
Scripture
“He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)
Observation
Everybody needs love. We listen to songs on the radio crying out over the airwaves daily about those “looking for love” or “wanting a lover.” However, the Bible tells me that one of the ways to seek love is to cover a transgression – to immediately dismiss something said in haste and forgive quickly and completely.
- Overlook an error
- Not giving it a second thought
- Un-offendable
- Teflon - not Velcro
Application
It can be hard sometimes to forgive. We get stung by misplaced comments, even if they are valid corrections. One of the ways we punish those who have hurt us is by holding a quiet offense. This is followed by the silent treatment and cold shoulder, and now the distance increases. They say resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die!
However, not slow but quick forgiveness—rapid and complete—is the best way to stay free from the other person’s error and grow forward. Believe it or not, it is one of the highest ways to express love.
We often allow others' errors to impede our attitude. We will always be surrounded by mistakes, other people’s immaturities, and our own. But if growth only took place under ideal conditions, then we would never mature and never be happy.
Prayer
Lord, I must admit... Sometimes forgiving can be difficult, but I have to! I realize that forgiveness is for me, not for the other person! I must remain free from their error and sin. I cannot be held hostage by another person’s offense. Holy Spirit, please help me learn and practice speedy forgiveness and, in this way, truly learn to love as You love.
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